In preparation for the forthcoming Pre-NUGA Games in Abuja, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, has intensified its commitment to sports development through the successful hosting of the 2025 Vice Chancellor’s Inter-Faculty Cup.

The week-long competition, which featured football, Volleyball, Hockey, Judo, Handball, Taekwondo, Basketball, Board games and Athletics, saw the Faculty of Education and Arts emerged overall champions ahead of other Faculties.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Professor Mohammed Aliyu Bello, congratulated the Directorate of Sports for hosting a keenly contested tournament.

He assured that the Vice Chancellor remains committed to strengthening sports in the University, noting that requests from the Directorate are always met with approval.

According to him, the University is determined to compete favorably with first-generation institutions like ABU Zaria, BUK, UNILAG and others in national and international competitions.

The Vice Chancellor urged all academic staff to strictly comply with the National Universities Commission (NUC) regulation that mandates the suspension of lectures by 2 p.m. every Wednesday to allow staff and students participate fully in sporting activities.

He emphasized that the University has provided the necessary gears and facilities to support regular training and competitions, adding that adherence to this directive will enhance the balance between academics and sports in university.

Professor Bello also encouraged students to maintain consistency in training, warning against waiting until major competitions draw near before practicing.

He emphasized that regular exercise not only improves sporting performance, but also enhances mental alertness and academic readiness. “We are always proud of IBBUL students,” he said. “With hard work and dedication, you can beat any university in Nigeria.”

The Director of Sports, Professor Aliyu Mohammed, in his address, commended the Vice Chancellor for being a true lover of sports, pointing out that every request made by the Directorate, from equipment to facility upgrades had been promptly granted.

He stressed that the provision of quality facilities had removed excuses for underperformance, urging students to maximize the opportunities available to them.

Professor Mohammed further appealed to lecturers to respect the University’s designated sports day on Wednesdays, allowing students to participate fully without interference from academic activities.

According to him, effective collaboration between academics and sports is crucial to nurturing well-rounded graduates who can excel both in learning and athletics.

He assured that the Directorate will continue to identify and groom talents capable of representing IBBUL with pride at future tournaments, including the upcoming Pre-NUGA Games.

Professor Mohammed added that the 2025 Vice Chancellor’s Cup has already revealed promising athletes who can make the University visible on the national stage if given the right motivation and consistent training.

The 2025 Vice Chancellor’s Cup featured intense contests in football, basketball, and athletics.

In Football, Education and Arts took first place, followed by Agriculture and Management and Social Sciences. In Basketball, Management and Social Sciences came first, Applied Sciences second, while Education and Arts settled for third. Education and Arts dominated the athletics events, claiming top positions in the men’s and women’s 100m, 200m, and 400m races.

The grand highlight was a ceremonial mixed 4×4 relay involving all the six Faculties, capped with the presentation of medals and trophies by the Vice Chancellor’s representative, assisted by the Director of Sports and other officials.